MUSD, Menifee PD host summer safety summit

Menifee police chief Ed Varso addresses the audience at the Summer Safety Summit.

Press release from Menifee Union School District:

MENIFEE -- The Menifee Union School District, in partnership with the Menifee Police Department, hosted its first Summer Safety Summit last week. The two organizations brought together MUSD students, parents, and staff at Hans Christensen Middle School to provide a day full of information and activities designed to enhance and promote safe schools.

“Education has been, and continues to be, a powerful tool for bettering our community,” said MUSD Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Root, “and that is why we designed a day dedicated to educating our students, parents, and staff, and empowering them in a united effort toward school safety.”

The summit started with a general session which introduced attendees to Menifee’s new Chief of Police, Edward Varso. The audience was also reassured to learn about how both the district and police department respond to school incidents and threats.

Varso said, “At the core of why we choose careers as officers is to serve and protect. That is especially true when it comes to serving the students of Menifee.”

Participants then broke out into smaller sessions led by diverse presenters from across Riverside County representing the Safe Family Justice Center, District Attorney’s Office, Trauma Intervention Program of Riverside County, Riverside University Health System, and Riverside County Office of Education. Topics included the active shooter response, dangers of social media, mental health awareness, suicide prevention and awareness, bike safety, cyberbullying, fentanyl awareness, behavior management, and more!

The Menifee Union School District Board of Education recognized the urgent need for this summit and gave their full support to make this summit happen.

Board President Jackie Johansen shared, “We have heard the concerns of our families and district staff regarding safe schools and we want them to know that we take those concerns to heart. This summit is just one of many actions we are taking to promote safe schools.”

Next steps in this partnership include a collaborative and thorough review of site safety plans, officers conducting safety walks with school principals, and hosting joint community meetings with the Superintendent and Chief of Police throughout the 2022-2023 school year.